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Yoho General Should Reopen In November

Last updated on Friday, August 10, 2012

(BLOOMFIELD) - The Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce heard an update from Lavon Yoho about the reopening of the Yoho General Store in Solsberry.

Sabrina Westfall of the Greene County Daily World reports that the Yoho General Store was purchased by CFC Properties in March, and has since restored the property with the understanding they keep the original name.

Yoho said they plan on having the renovated store - originally built in 1934 - complete by November of this year.

Yoho's parents, Dwight "Cotton" and Pearl Yoho, owned the business for 52 years. The Yoho family has been in the grocery and general store business since 1908.

When the building process began, Yoho said he was surprised by the structure.

"When I first saw it I thought they were going to be putting the rafters up the sky," Yoho said about the two-story structure.

He described the establishments decor as reflecting on "yesteryear," including the display of a wood-burning stove from the original building and recreation of the doors on the old building.

"It's going to be more like a convenience store. ... The fuel pumps of unleaded and diesel fuel will be out front of the store," Yoho explained. "We are going to try to match the front doors, and they had to tear one side (of the building) plum off."

A ramp will be installed on the south side of the building to be in compliance with the American Disability Act

Yoho said he is pleased to be able to work with CFC Properties to keep the Yoho General Store operational in Solsberry.

"I think we are very fortunate -- and when I say we I mean the community - to have someone like them interested in this project," Yoho explained.

In other business, Chamber member Matt Miller gave an update on the Chamber's standing with the Indiana Main Street Program.

Miller said notes from each committee and budgets must be sent in to Main Street officials, and the Chamber should know soon if they have met all qualifications.

The Chamber has created the Bloomfield Revitalization Project as the first steps of becoming an Indiana Main Street. Committees have been formed to focus on design, organization, promotion and economic restructuring.

Indiana Main Street helps towns seek grants to promote community planning, and help with restoration efforts at the town's core.

Miller also added the delayed Fourth of July fireworks show will be over Labor Day weekend on Saturday, Sept. 1.

They had originally rescheduled the fireworks display for that Sunday, but wanted more leeway for the show in the event there was rain over Labor Day weekend.

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